Make way for horses and buggies in rural East Drumore Township
Eighteen miles southeast of Lancaster, East Drumore Township is a quiet community removed from the bustle of city life. "Expect to find buggies and tractors on the road," says David Fite, an appraiser with David L Fite Realty. "Don't get too much in a hurry to go anywhere." Many single-family homes come with acreage, and having cows and horses for neighbors is common. The township is primarily rural, with lots of trails and nature preserves to explore. A few locally owned shops and restaurants are set within the town, while neighboring Quarryville offers a broad range of city amenities.
Ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and farmhouses with acreage
East Drumore Township's single-family homes offer peaceful seclusion in the Pennsylvania countryside. Their styles vary, but ranch-style, Colonial Revivals and farmhouses are the most common. "There's anything from homes built in the 1700s that have been renovated, all the way up to new construction being built today," Fite says. Many properties are set along country roads with spacious lots and enough room for outbuildings or animals. Their designs often reflect the township's rustic character with features like covered porches, louvered shutters and exposed wooden beams. Some homes, like those near the Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, are closer together in a more traditional neighborhood setting. These houses feature manicured lawns shaded by mature oaks and dotted with traditional mailboxes. Prices typically range from $310,000 to $620,000, but larger homes and newer builds with desirable features, like multi-car garages and golf course views, are priced between $980,000 and $1 million.
Hiking along Stewart Run, camping at Jellystone
In East Drumore Township, nature is a part of everyday life. "There are some major preserves around," Fite says. The 100-acre Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area provides a serene backdrop for a nature hike with its 2-mile, dirt-packed trail that follows Stewart Run — a popular trout fishing spot. The 100-acre preserve draws dozens of birds, including blue jays and purple martins. Nearby, Jellystone Park is a camping resort with family-friendly attractions like gem mining, disc golf and a water playground. For a round of golf, the public Tanglewood Manor Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with well-maintained greens. "In Quarryville, there are a few parks, too," Fite says. Legion Memorial Park is a Quarryville highlight, offering a playground, community pool, skate park and more.
Gathering supplies, dining at Musser Plaza
Shopping and dining are limited, but Musser Plaza covers the essentials. Residents can buy groceries at Giant, gear up for a hike at Southern End Outdoors and find vintage odds and ends at Waltman's Hidden Treasures. Nearby, Eagle Cafe is a morning go-to for hot coffee and Monte Cristo sandwiches, while family-owned Dolce Vita Pizzeria is a fast-casual spot for Italian fare, including authentic Sicilian-style pizza.
Farm stores and farmstands are found throughout the township. "They're very common," Fite says. "They'll sell typical produce, milk and cheese … homemade baked goods." The Maplehofe Dairy Farm Store carries a bit of everything, including specialty items like butterscotch peanut butter, orange cream milk and apricot-pineapple preserves. The store doubles as a dessert shop with homemade whoopie pies, angel food cake and over 40 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, such as maple walnut and coconut cream. Neighboring Quarryville offers additional shops and restaurants, including J & B Hotel, a laid-back dive with pool tables and occasional live music and karaoke.
Monster truck shows and rodeos at The Buck Motorsports Park
Buck Motorsports Park is a popular destination for its year-round racing events, from demolition derbies and drag racing to monster truck shows and rodeos. The annual Buck Stampede Rodeo is a favorite for its bull riding, barrel racing and kids' sheep riding performances. Quarryville hosts a few events, too, like the Summer Concert Series at Huffnagle Park, featuring everything from bluegrass bands to jazz quintets — there's usually some dancing involved.
Academic opportunities at Solanco High
East Drumore Township is part of the Solanco school District, which earns a C-plus from Niche. Kids may start at the B-minus-rated Clermont Elementary before moving to Swift Middle and Solanco High — both are rated C-plus. At the latter, teens can explore career pathways like video production, engineering and graphic design. The high school also offers dual-enrollment courses for credit at several area colleges, including Millersville University.
U.S. Route 222 and the nearest hospital and airport
The township's rural roads are bike- and horse-friendly, but residents generally drive to get around. State Route 272 and U.S. Route 222 pass through the township, providing access to Lancaster. Lancaster General Hospital is 18 miles away, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport is a 67-mile drive.
